The origins and function of the Si Nan: the ancient mystical instrument, symbol of imperial power, that unites Heaven and Earth and maintains the order and prosperity of the kingdom.
The Si Nan is the original mystical instrument brought by the ‘Lady of the Nine Heavens’ and presented to the Yellow Emperor.
Thanks to the Si Nan, the Yellow Emperor was able to decipher the cosmic codes of the Universe.
The earliest divination plate, dating back to 4000 BC (6000 years ago), is called the “Si Nan Luo Pan.” It consists of a simple magnetized spoon in the center of a square divination plate: a symbol of wisdom representing the union of Heaven and Earth. The round plate in the center represents Heaven, and the square perimeter represents Earth, while the spoon represents the Big Dipper constellation.
The rim of the plate is inscribed with 10 celestial stems, 8 trigrams, 12 earthly branches, and signs of 24 different directions. The combination of the 10 celestial stems and 12 earthly branches forms the Chinese sexagenary calendar. These numbers are employed chronologically in calculations to indicate the particular qualities that arise in hours, days, and months.
It is said that the spoon always stops pointing south when it is rotated. The spoon is shaped like the Big Dipper and always points towards the pole star in the south. This constellation was particularly sacred as its last two stars point towards the pole star.
The emperor was the earthly counterpart of the North Star, around which all other stars revolved. Confucius had said, “He who governs virtually can be compared to the North Star, which maintains its place when other stars revolve around it.” This is also why the ruler (the emperor) always sits facing south so that there is always a connection to the cosmic energy of the North Star. All visitors to the emperors must sit to his south so that the stars can revolve around his head. Therefore, the officials around the emperor were seen as inhabitants of the constellation that revolved around the North Star. And so the Si Nan was seen as a mystical instrument used NOT for navigation but as a tool to empower the emperor with the governance of fortune.
It was also a geomancy tool used to align palaces, cities, and houses in harmony with the Earth’s forces. Emperors in ancient times used the Si Nan to guide the country in the right direction, especially during periods when it was disoriented by fraudulent lies told by manipulative officials seeking to steal power gradually. The Si Nan had always suggested good sense to the emperor when making critical decisions. Its use helped maintain harmony and prosperity within the Chinese empire.